The Garden
Whether you're looking for a study break or a romantic date, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the bustling UW campus. Easily accessible through the Madison Metro System, the gardens are close to campus, open daily and free to the public, so you can save your money for some ice cream from the terrace later.
Olbrich boasts 16 picturesque acres, providing hours of aimless wandering. Ten specialty gardens present something for everyone, ranging from a lush rose garden to a fragrant herb garden, all connected by an accessible network of pathways (ideal for a relaxed stroll with your significant other).
Make sure not to miss the ornate Thai Pavilion, a gift from the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association and one of only four pavilions located outside Thailand. Intricately detailed, the structure is 30 feet high and 40 feet long, surrounded by serene gardens and flowing water - a perfect distraction from that upcoming o-chem exam.
If the wide expanse of outdoor gardens doesn't soothe your nerves, splurge an extra dollar and check out the Bolz Conservatory. The towering glass pyramid houses over 750 tropical plants from throughout the world, mimicking the exotic environment of a natural rain forest. The Conservatory also features abundant wildlife, including a range of birds, fish and reptiles. With a grand canopy of leaves hovering high above and a pleasant tropical climate, the Conservatory makes it easy to feel far from Wisconsin - especially once winter hits.
Venturing off campus may seem intimidating, but don't be afraid to use your free bus pass to visit Olbrich. Take a significant other or spend the day exploring with your friends - your legs may be drained from walking, but your wallet won't be. With its breathtaking scenery and diverse array of plant species, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens will be the cheapest (and closest) vacation you'll ever take.
- Kate Manegold
The Zoo
Ah, the zoo. When you're a child it could be the highlight of your year. Now that you're in college the zoo may seem rather childish, but don't underestimate it. The Henry Vilas Zoo is a great way to spend an afternoon in Madison.
The Henry Vilas Zoo has the all the basics for a pleasant zoo experience. Giraffes: cool. Otters and seals: cool. Porcupines: '¦well, maybe cool isn't the right word, but they're so weird looking they are still entertaining. Best of all, the Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the few free-admission zoos in the world, so it is a wonderful source of entertainment for students with chronically empty wallets.
But there are a few things the zoo lacks. There are no elephants, and many times the bears aren't outside. Additionally, the tigers' sign advertises them as masters of camouflage, but whether anything actually exists in that cage is up for debate.
When you're stressed out, though, the zoo is a great way to revert to a 5-year-old version of yourself and have some fun. You can splurge on cotton candy, ride your favorite animal on the Conservation Carousel and after a big day at the zoo, you can stop at the nearby McDonald's' for a happy meal. It should also be noted that this particular McDonald's' has a walk up window that is open until late at night, and is a hot spot for college students who have enjoyed one of Madison's other big attractions, the bar scene.
Although the Henry Vilas Zoo may not be big enough to warrant repeated trips, it is a great way to spend an afternoon in the fall or spring, though the zoo is open year round. And the zoo is in the midst of a new expansion project, which will be adding new exhibits over the next decade. So over the course of your time at Madison, it wouldn't hurt to peak in and see what's new.
- Megan Corbett
The Market
As any student interested in eating delicious, locally grown food will tell you, each Saturday the Capitol square plays host to Dane County's magnificent farmers' market.
The Dane County Farmers' Market is the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country, meaning that all of the products sold are grown by the people selling them. The market is a way for students to buy vegetables and herbs that support local agriculture and is a great option for students who have a hard time reaching far-away grocery stores off campus.
It's ridiculous that there's one grocery store to choose from within walking distance,"" UW alum Molly Derse says. ""I think the vendors have a friendly competition going on, so you feel like you're getting a good price. And you know where the food's coming from, it's local and fresh.""
The market also offers freshly baked goods such as scones and empanadas for those looking for a breakfast treat. Any farmers' market veteran knows about Stella's spicy cheese bread, loaves of which are sold steaming hot out of the oven. Vendors also give samples of products like honey, chocolates, popcorn, jerky and, of course, cheese.
The farmers' market takes place on the Capitol Square from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard. Since all the produce is fresh, however, many seasonal items like tomatoes and greens are only available during the summer and early fall. Market enthusiasts can still buy preserves, cheeses, baked goods, meats and an array of other products when the market moves indoors to Monona Terrace in November. Try to get there early to avoid the crowds.
- Frances Provine
The Arboretum
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum is an asset to the multifaceted individual. Or, the Arboretum itself is multifaceted to suit a variety of individuals. Either way, this collection of forests, prairies and wetlands appeals to summer Madison residents through both its scenery and programs.
Students use the Arboretum during all hours of the day. Graduate student Aimee Marceau is one of many to take advantage of the biking trail of the Arboretum, which loops around Lake Wingra. According to Marceau, having the opportunity to run through the woods helps Madisonians escape from city life. The trail encompasses several different neighborhoods, such as the Vilas and Nakoma neighborhoods, which attracts a breadth of Madison residents. To make the Arboretum trail excursions more interesting, runners and bikers such as Marceau can attest that certain non-human inhabitants of the biking trail set the Arboretum apart from the rest of the city: wild turkeys and deer.
For the individual seeking an educational experience during the summer months scant of schoolwork, the Arboretum entails gardens with flowers and trees planted 70 years ago. Some individuals explore the horticulture on their own; others attend the weekly tours of the gardens run by the Arboretum.
The Arboretum also satisfies the philanthropic individual, providing dozens of volunteer opportunities for people who want to help preserve the land. For example, the ecological restoration works to preserve native plants.
For the environmentalist, the arboretum contains magnolias, lilacs, arborvitae and landscapes that have been restored to their original, mid-1800s state.
The Arboretum contains a touch of mystery to keep it forever interesting. The ""Lost City Forest"" - a failed residential community formed in the 1920s - has simply turned into a woodland area.
Madisonians seeking a place to simply relax also take advantage of the Arboretum. While enjoying the sun and warm weather, people can be seen strolling along the prairies or gardens in the spring and summer seasons.
The Arboretum serves multiple purposes for those individuals who wish to be spontaneous in their summer vacation.
- Diana Savage
